LCAS Star Parties
Weather permitting, each public LCAS meeting is followed by a star party, which is when the club members bring their telescopes and let the public and other members look through them. This is an opportunity for club members to share their enjoyment of the night sky with you and to demonstrate their telescopes. If you are considering the purchase of a telescope, this is the perfect time to see what your money can buy, what the different telescope designs look like, and the kinds of views you can achieve with the equipment. The star parties are held in the parking lot of the Volo Bog Nature Center.
Guidance for Participants
- Ask questions! There are no dumb questions in astronomy. Our members are happy to share what they know, and we enjoy nothing more than sharing not only the views, but the understanding we have about these objects.
- Dress warmly for cool nights - even in some summer months, it can be pretty cool at night when you are not moving around much. Come prepared so you can be comforable during your visit!
- Bring children - all family members are very welcome! Your child's experience personally observing planets, the moon, and other deep sky objects can have a profound impact on their interest in science and technology. Very young children however (under 5 years of age) may not grasp or be able to readily view through the telescopes.
- Take care - It is nighttime, and depending on the phase of the moon, it can be very dark in the observing area. There is also a lot of fairly expensive equipment in use. Certainly keep an eye on your children and be careful as you move about (we are on the parking lot surface, so there are no uneven surfaces). Also, don't touch the equipment, except as instructed by the astronomers on their particular telescope. This will safeguard their equipment from damage and prevent any accidental fingerprints on eyepieces.
- No white lights please! White lights can reduce your night vision, and your ability to observe objects in the night sky. Astronomers typically use red lights to avoid disturbing their night vision. When the moon is fairly full this is less of an issue; but in general, please do not use white light flashlights in the observing areas.
